GB2089402A - Peat cutting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus is suitable for mounting to the three point linkage of a tractor and overcomes the problem of mechanically cutting peat in bogs of relatively small area. Essentially, the apparatus (1) comprises a housing (5) having a peat inlet opening (15) and an extrusion outlet (20). An auger (8) is rotatable in the housing and driven through a gear box (27) from the power take off of the tractor. The peripheral edge (10) of the flights (11) of the auger (8) exposed by the opening (15) cut peat as the apparatus progresses through the bog. The downstream end (12) of the auger (8) conveys the peat for extrusion through the outlet (20). Longitudinal blade members (24) on each side of the inlet opening (15) part the peat from the bog. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Turf cutting apparatus The present invention relates to turf cutting apparatus.

With the decreasing world stocks of fossil fuels, and the consequent increases in energy costs, it is now becoming economical to harvest turf from small bogs. Unfortunately, because of the size and location of most small bogs, it is ot feasible to use conventional large scale turf cutting apparatus. In general, such bogs have to be manually worked.

Attempts have been made to provide mechanically operated turf cutting apparatus for use in small bogs. However, in general, these apparatus suffer from short-comings. For example, in a large number of these devices there is a large manual input and this tends to reduce their efficiency substantially.

There is therefore a need for turf cutting apparatus suitable for use in relatively small bogs.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a turf cutting apparatus.

According to the invention there is provided a turf cutting apparatus comprising an auger having an upstream and a downstream end, a turf cutting portion adjacent the upstream end and a conveying portion to convey turf from the cutting portion, the auger being rotatable in an enclosed housing forming a conveying duct, the housing having a turf inlet opening in its leading face exposing the cutting portion of the auger and an extrusion outlet adjacent the downstream end to deliver extruded turf, the auger being adapted for connection to a drive means.

In one embodiment of the invention the cutting portion is formed by the peripheral edge of the upstream flights of the auger, and the turf inlet opening is axially disposed on a side of the housing.

Preferably, the turf inlet opening, extends substantially 1 800 around the auger.

Preferably the housing of the turf cutting apparatus is mounted on a support member adapted for mounting to the three point linkage of a tractor and the auger is adapted to be driven from the power take off of the tractor, or alternatively by a hydraulic motor.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of turf cutting apparatus according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a front view of the apparatus looking rearwardly in the direction of motion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a sectional side view of the apparatus on the line Ill-Ill of Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the apparatus on the line IV--IV of Fig. 3, Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a bog after the apparatus has cut turf, Fig. 6 is a rear view of apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7 is a plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 6, Fig. 8 is a rear view similar to Fig. 6 of apparatus according to a further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 9 is a front view of portion of the apparatus of Fig. 8, Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a bog after the apparatus of Figs. 9 and 10 have cut turf, Fig. 11 is a side view of apparatus according to a still further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 2 is a sectional view of portion of the apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12 of portion of the apparatus according to a further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 14 is a side view of portion of the apparatus according to a still further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 5 is a side view of portion of the apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 1 6 is a front view of the portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1 5.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 5 thereof there is provided turf cutting apparatus according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The apparatus 1 is adapted for mounting to a three point linkage of a tractor 2 portion of which is shown in Fig. 1, by means of a framework 3 described in detail below. The turf cutting apparatus 1 comprises a housing 5 of hollow circular cross section of steel material which forms a conveying duct 6. An auger 8 is rotatable within the housing 5 and driven from the power take off of the tractor as will be described below. The auger 8 has a turf cutting portion at its upstream end 9 formed by the peripheral edge 10 of the flights 11 of the auger. The downstream end 1 2 of the auger acts as a conveyor to convey cut turf through the conveying duct 6.The auger 8 is driven through a gear box 14 mounted on the housing.

A turf inlet opening 1 5 is disposed axially on the leading face of the housing 5 the opening 1 5 extends around approximately 1800 of the housing. A pair of longitudinal blade members 1 8 to part the turf cut by the auger 8, extend forwardly from the sides of the opening 1 5. The blade members can clearly be seen in Fig. 4 and extend forwardly to a position just rearwardly of the leading tips of the cutting edges 10 of the auger. The blade members 18 are secured to the housing by screws 1 9 and are readily replaceable.

The cut turf is conveyed through the conveying duct 6 where it is delivered into an extruding outlet, in this embodiment of the invention formed by three extruding tubes 20. The extruding tubes 20 deliver the cut turf in an elongated extrusion onto the surface of the bog see Fig. 5.

The end portion of the downstream end 12 of the auger 8 is tapered to permit an even flow of extruded turf through the outlet tubes 20, see Fig. 3. The fact that the auger is tapered prevents the extruded turf from being pulsed out through the extrusion tubes 20. It has been found that where the auger is not tapered at its downstream end, the last flight of the auger tends to pulse the extruded turf as it rotates. Accordingly, by tapering the end portion this problem is overcome.

A skid 22 with an upturned leading edge 23 formed by a metal plate is welded to the housing 5. A member 24 of metal plate material extends forwardly of the leading face of the housing 5 and terminates in a knife edge 26 to part the turf in the bog to permit the portion of the housing 5 above the opening 1 5 to pass through the bog.

The housing 5 is formed in two parts for ease of maintenance: the parts are joined by screws 28 through flanges 29 on each part, of the housing.

The framework 3 for mounting the apparatus 1 to the tractor 2 comprises a pair of side members 33 joined by a cross member 34 and an upstanding member 35. Mounting points 37 and 38 are provided on the side members 33 and the upstanding member 35 respectively for connection to complementary mounting points on the tractor three point linkage. A support member 40 projects sidewardly from the framework 3 to support the housing 5. The support member 40 is inclined to the horizontal thereby retaining the housing 5 and in turn the auger 8 inclined to the horizontal at approximately 600. The housing 5 is connected to the side member 40 through a spring loaded pivot (not shown) to permit the housing to pivot upwardly on encountering an immovable object in the bog, for example, a rock.

This is not described since such connections are well known in the art. A pulley 42 on the gear box 14 is driven through a drive belt 43 from a further pulley 44 mounted on the power take off of the tractor 2.

In use, the apparatus 1 is hitched to the three point linkage of a tractor. The apparatus is then lowered by the three point linkage. The housing 5 penetrates into the bog with a slightly forward rake so that the upstream end of the auger is slightly forward of the downstream end. This prevents the housing 5 from lifting out of the bog.

The housing 5 is inserted into the bog untii the skid 22 abuts the bog surface. The apparatus 1 is then trailed behind the tractor. As the auger 8 rotates and the tractor moves forward turf is cut from the bog by the peripheral cutting edges 10 of the flights 1 and delivered through the extruding tube 20.

Fig, 5 illustrates a cross-section through a bog after the apparatus has cut turf. It can be seen that because of the positioning of the turf inlet opening 1 5 the apparatus cuts a cavity 47 through the bog rather than an actual trench. When the apparatus has passed over the bog the upper portion divided by the knife edge 26 closes back, thereby leaving the surface of the bog undisturbed. The cavity eventually cioses in. The advantage of this is that no ecological damage is done to the bog. In fact, it has been found that when the tractor makes a second pass over the bog with the apparatus, the weight of the tractor acting through its wheels closes the cavity thereby essentially returning the bog to its former state.

It has been found that the extruded length of the turf normally break off from the extruding tubes 20 when about twelve inches or so has been extruded. The advantage of this is that the extrusions are in manageable lengths when they dry to form sods of turf.

Referring now to Figs 6 and 7 there is illustrated turf cutting apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention, This apparatus is substantially similar to that described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 and similar components are identified by the same reference numeral, The essential difference between this apparatus and that just described is that the gear box 14 is driven by a drive shaft 45 from the power take off shaft of the tractor. Additionally, the mounting point 38 on the framework 2 is connected to the complementary mounting point of the three point linkage through a hydraulic ram 46 this permits additional versatility in operating the apparatus. It can also be seen that the apparatus 1 is connected to the framework by means of a side member 40 which is connected to the gear box 14.This particular mounting arrangement as can be seen permits the housing 5 and in turn the auger 8 to enter the bog at a more sharply inclined angle, to the horizontal, than the apparatus of Figs. 1 to 5. The extruding tube 20 of this apparatus 1 is of square cross-sectional area.

The operation of this apparatus is similar to that described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5.

Referring now to Figs. 8 to 10 there is illustrated apparatus according to a further embodiment of the invention. This apparatus is substantially similar to that just described and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The essential difference between this apparatus and that just described is that the apparatus is adapted to enter the bog vertically. Additionally, the turf inlet opening 1 5 is considerably smaller than that just described. it can be seen from Fig. 10 that this apparatus cuts a considerably smaller cavity 47 in the bog than those already described. In this embodiment of the invention the cut turf is delivered through a single extrusion outlet 20 of square cross-sectional area.

The operation of the apparatus 1 according to this embodiment of the invention is substantially similar to that of those already described.

Referring to Fig. 11 there is provided apparatus according to a still further embodiment of the invention. This apparatus is illustrated in a bog and is substantially similar to that already described and again, like reference numerals are used to identify similar components. In this embodiment of the invention the housing 5 and auger 8 are adapted to enter the bog horizontally. The cutting portion of the auger in this case is provided by the upstream radial edge 50 of the auger 8, which is exposed to the bog through the turf inlet opening 1 5. Cut turf is conveyed through the conveying duct 6 by the auger 8 and extruded through the extrusion tube 20 onto the bog surface. The portion of the housing 5 defining the turf inlet opening 1 5 forms a blade member 18 to part the turf cut by the auger.The portion of the housing above the turf inlet opening 5 also terminates in a knife edge 26 to part the bog to permit the housing to pass therethrough.

The auger 5 is driven from the power take off of the tractor through a belt 43 and a pulley 42 mounted on the end of the auger. A housing 51 is provided to protect the belt 43 and pulley 42. The remainder of the drive mechanism is not shown but it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art how this may be carried out.

Fig. 12 illustrates portion of the apparatus according to a still further embodiment of the invention. This figure illustrates an extruding tube 20 which may be used in conjunction with any of the apparatus just described. In this embodiment of the invention a core member 55 having a tapered leading tip 54 is mounted axially in the extruding tube 20 to form a hollow core in the extruded turf. The core member 55 is of steel material and mounted on a mounting member 56 to the inner wall of the tube 20. Both the core member 55 and the mounting member 56 are of hollow construction to accommodate a flexible member, in this embodiment of the invention a cord 58 paid out from a reel 57. The reel 57 is mounted on a suitable location on the apparatus 1.

In use, a peg 59 or large knot is attached to the end of the cord 58. As the turf is extruded through the extruding tube 20 the cord is paid out from the reel 57. Accordingly, the extruded turf is strung on the cord 58. The advantage of this feature of the invention is that the dried turf sods being strung on the cord can readily easily be collected when dry by taking the two ends of the cord.

Fig. 13 illustrates an extruding tube 20 according to a still further embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention the core member 55 extends outwardly and downwardly of the tube 20 to lay the extruded turf directly onto the surface of the bog. The advantage of this feature of the invention is that the extruded turf can be laid on the bog without breaking. This permits the extruded turf to be subsequently divided into sods of uniform length.

Alternatively, this particular core member 55 could be used in conjunction with a cutting device for cutting the extruded length as it passes over the core member 55. Such cutting devices are well known in the art and it is not proposed to deal with them here other than to say that a particular type envisaged is formed by a wheel with a plurality of transverse, radially projecting blades which engage the extruded length as it passes over the core member 55.

Fig. 14 illustrates portion of the apparatus according to a still further embodiment of the invention, this apparatus is substantially similar to those already described and like reference numerals are used to identify similar components.

In this embodiment of the invention a cutting disc 60 is mounted forwardly of the housing 5 to part the bog to permit the housing to pass therethrough. The disc 60 may be used instead of the knife edge 26. The disc 60 is freely rotatable on a bracket 61 extending from the housing 5. If desired the disc 60 may be driven.

Figs. 1 5 and 1 6 illustrate portion of the apparatus according to a still further embodiment of the invention. This apparatus is substantially similar to those already described and like reference numerals are used to identify similar components. In this embodiment of the invention a plurality of additional blade members 1 8 project from each side of the turf inlet opening 1 5. The blade members 1 8 are replaceable and are secured to the housing 5 by screws 1 9. The blade members 1 8 project to a position forward of the leading cutting edges 10 of the auger 8 so that they will make contact with an immovable object before the auger 8, thereby protecting the auger.

As with previous embodiments of the invention, on striking an immovable object, the apparatus pivots upwardly to avoid further damage to the apparatus 1. It can be seen from Fig. 1 6 that the blades 18 on each side of the opening 1 5 are staggered to protect the auger 8. The operation of this apparatus is substantially similar to that of those just described.

It has been found in practice that the crosssectional area of the turf inlet opening should be substantially twice the combined area of the extrusion outlet for best results. Although, needless to say the apparatus would operate satisfactorily over a wide range of ratios of the two areas. A preferred range of ratios are 1:1 to 4:1.

It will be appreciated that although the core member illustrated in Fig. 12 has been described as being hollow to accommodate cord this is not necessary, the core member could be used without the facility of feeding out the cord. In fact, if desired, the core member could be of solid construction.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that if desired the core member illustrated in Fig. 1 3 could be made hollow and could be adapted to pay out cord as described with reference to Fig. 12.

It will also be appreciated that although the auger has been described as having a tapered downstream end, this is not necessary, the auger could be of constant diameter throughout its length, if desired.

It will also be appreciated that although the turf cutting apparatus has been described for cutting a cavity beneath the surface of the bog, it could also be used for cutting a trench through the bog. This it will be appreciated can be achieved by raising the turf cutting inlet opening to a level such that its upper edge just clears the bog. The skid 22 could be lowered on the housing to achieve this.

It is envisaged that in certain cases the crosssectional area of the turf inlet opening could be made adjustable. It is envisaged, that a shield slidable up and down on the housing could be provided to close off portion of the turf inlet opening.

It is also envisaged that the extrusion tube could be of any suitable cross-section to produce turf sods of any desired cross-section. Indeed, it will also be appreciated that any suitable number of extrusion tubes could be provided.

Although the apparatus has been described as mounted on a three point linkage of a tractor, it could have been mounted on any other suitable vehicle, for example, a Land Rover or the like.

Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the apparatus may be independently powered. It is envisaged that if the apparatus of Fig. 11 were independently powered the action of the auger on the bog would move the apparatus forward.

It will be appreciated that although the apparatus has been described as being inclined at particular angles to the horizontal, the apparatus could have been inclined at any suitable angle, and indeed as illustrated with reference to Figs. 8 and 9 could project vertically into the bog. Indeed, it will also be appreciated that in certain circumstances the apparatus could enter the bog horizontally, for example, in the case where the apparatus was entered into the bog through a vertical face of the bog. It will also be appreciated that the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 11 could similarly enter the bog at an angle.

While the apparatus already described has been described as having a single auger, it will be appreciated that apparatus having a plurality of parallel augers could also be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

Additionally, it is envisaged that in certain cases the turf may be delivered from the auger 8 into another compression chamber for further compacting and extrusion of the turf. It is envisaged that a suitable compression chamber, could be provided with an additional auger, or with a hydraulic ram.

While the apparatus has been described as being driven through a gear box from the power take off of the tractor, it will be appreciated that the auger could have been driven by a hydraulic motor, powered by the tractor or other towing vehicle, or indeed, independently powered. It will be particularly advantageous to have the auger of the apparatus of Fig. 11 powered by a hydraulic motor, since the hydraulic motor could be mounted at the end of the auger in a smaller housing 51 thereby necessitating the need for pulleys and belt drives.

Claims (36)

1. Turf cutting apparatus comprising an auger having an upstream and a downstream end, a turf cutting portion adjacent the upstream end and a conveying portion to convey turf from the cutting portion, the auger being rotatable in an enclosed housing forming a conveying duct, the housing having a turf inlet opening in its leading face exposing the cutting portion of the auger and an extrusion outlet adjacent the downstream end to deliver extruded turf, the auger being adapted for connection to a drive means.

2. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the cutting portion is formed by the peripheral edge of the upstream flights of the auger, and the turf inlet opening is axially disposed on a side of the housing.

3. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the turf inlet opening extends substantially 1 800 around the auger.

4. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a pair of longitudinal blade members extend forwardly one from each side of the turf inlet opening.

5. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the longitudinal blade members extend to a position rearwardly of the leading tips of each flight.

6. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the longitudinal blade members extend to a position forwardly of the leading tips of each flight.

7. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the turf cutting portion is formed by the radial edge of the flights of the auger at the upstream end thereof, and the turf inlet opening is provided in the upstream end face of the housing.

8. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the leading face of the housing terminates in a knife edge.

9. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a turf cutting disc having a forwardly facing cutting edge is mounted forward of the leading face of the housing, the axis of the disc being transverse of the axis of the auger.

10. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 in which a longitudinally disposed turf cutting screw is mounted forward of the leading face of the housing, the axis of the cutting screw and auger being substantially parallel.

11. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the downstream end of the conveying portion of the auger tapers in a downstream direction.

12. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 11 in which the cross-sectional area of the conveying duct is substantially constant over the conveying portion of the auger

13. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the housing is of cylindrical construction.

14. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the extruding outlet is provided by an extruding tube to deliver extruded turf on the surface of the bog.

1 5. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which a core member is provided axially in the extruding tube to form a hollow core in the extruded turf.

16. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 5 in which the core member is adapted to feed a flexibie member out with the extruded turf in the hollow core.

1 7. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16 in which a plurality of extruding tubes are provided.

1 8. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a cutter is provided adjacent the extruding outlet to cut the extruded turf into lengths.

19. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the cross-sectional area of the turf inlet opening is variable.

20. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the cross-sectional area of the turf inlet opening is substantially twice the cross-sectional area of the extruding outlet.

21. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a ground engaging skid is mounted tranversely on the housing.

22. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the housing is mounted on a support member adapted for mounting to a three point linkage of a tractor.

23. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which the auger is driven through a gear box adapted for connection to the power take off of a tractor.

24. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 23 in which the auger is driven through a hydraulic motor.

25. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24, in which the housing is mounted on the support member to enter the bog inclined sidewardly to the direction of motion.

26. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 25 in which the auger is inclined sidewardly at substantially 600 to the horizontal.

27. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any of claims 22 to 26 in which the housing is mounted on the support member so that the auger is forwardly raked, the upstream end of the auger leading the downstream end.

28. Turf cutting apparatus as claimed in any of claims 22 to 27 in which the housing is releasably mounted on the support member to cock if the auger or the housing strikes an immovable object.

29. Turf cutting apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5.

30. Turf cutting apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7.

31. Turf cutting apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 8 to 10.

32. Turf cutting apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 11.

33. Turf cutting apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 12.

34. Turf cutting apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 13.

35. Turf cutting apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 14.

36. Turf cutting apparatus substantially described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1 5 and 1 6.